Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Great customer service = a happy customer!


When an amazing customer service was presented when expecting nothing but the least, one cannot simply walk away from it without acknowledging and sharing that experience with everyone.

As a career woman myself, owning and managing my own business offering makeup & hair services to the public, it is crucial and extremely important to provide the utmost customer care and services to whoever inquires about  my services.  My name and reputation are on each and every single one of those services, and one little tiny thing can jeopardize my name and my reputation.

Now, I understand, that having my own baby (my own company) as a sole-proprietorship is a lot easier to manage with giving the best service as I am on my own and I am responsible for my own actions. I don't have any employees to worry about.  However, if I was an employee of a company where I am receiving a salary with benefits, I would think that it would be my commitment and responsibility for me to provide the best services in return.  That is what they are paying me to do, that is how it should be and there is no excuse!  
I never liked the phrase, "Customers are always right".  I'd like to think so...however, depending on some circumstances, there are some that are not.  Instead, I'd like to say, " Customers are always important".  You are running a business for them, therefore, you have a business thanks to them.  Without them, there is no business. Without them, there is no revenue.

So when I am faced with an extraordinary customer service, especially when I am least expecting it, I am astounded.  I become a student, taking notes, jotting down some important lesson so I can apply it as one of my own business etiquette.

Here's what happened...

Some morning starts with me having a very nice cup of Nespresso coffee.

It's simple.  I put the capsule inside the machine.  Press the button. Out comes deliciousness in a cup.

One morning, I placed one in like usual.  And immediately after I pressed the button, I hear a sound of something bursting, like a little explosion.  No deliciousness came out.  Boo.

I opened the lid and found that the capsule had, indeed, exploded inside the machine.
Without thinking even for a second, I threw it out and placed another capsule of a different blend.
All is back to normal.

The following day, same thing happened.
This time, frowning, I placed it aside and placed another capsule from the same blend.
Bursted again!
I then tried it with another capsule from a different blend, and all was fine.

Hum...

I decided to bring these bursted capsules to the Nespresso Boutique on Crescent St. down town.





As I presented myself to the Nespresso Boutique, the place was crowded with customers.  Looking at the long line at the cash, I hesitated and thought maybe I'd come back another day.
Then a "greeter" at the entrance asked me if everything was alright.
I told him the situation and he guided me to a representative.
I explained the whole story to this gentleman and asked to see if it was possible to replace my two defected capsules for another two new ones of the same blend.  Yes, I had three bursted ones, but I only had two to show him so I couldn't bring myself to ask for three replacements. If I was able to replace the two I had, I was happy.

The gentleman kindly suggested that I clean the machine on a monthly basis, suggesting me to use a little vinegar to let it run through the machine to clean the pipes.  He also suggested there were products (solution) to purchase from the store. Thinking to myself, uh oh, he's trying to sell me something...I'm not gonna get them replaced, am I.
I do clean the machine, actually, on a daily basis so I could\t see why the cleanliness was an issue to the bursting capsules.
He, then, apologized on behalf of Nespresso for my experience.  He then typed some information into the computer. He walked away, took out a whole box of capsules and handed it to me.  

Yes, the whole box...The box contains 10 capsules!

Stunned, I grabbed the box and said, "Really?"
He asked me if I wanted a bag to put the box in.
I said, "No, thank you", and that was....that!

I left the place feeling so great and so special.  The place was clearly crowded with full of customers ready to purchase their products, and here I was asking for replacements.  I wasn't demanding or aggressive at all, just simply there to ask if it was a possibility.  I was actually expecting to hear, "No sorry, Ma'am" or perhaps just a replacement for the two capsuled I brought in.
But a whole box!?!?
Youpiiiii!!!

Feeling grateful

So that is why, when a great service was presented, I couldn't just simply walk away without any of it being heard.  I must share!

As a customer, I appreciate the attention to detail and care.  It brings joy, happiness and satisfaction that will make me want to go back for more and, not just that, the experience will be shared among my peers. Owning a business, there's nothing better than having your customer's recommendation bring up your reputation to another level.  Word of Mouth is the best form of advertising!



And here I am, sipping on my Nespresso coffee.
A dash of warm 10% cream, allongé...
& no sugar.
Just the way I love it! ♥
Thank you, Nespresso :)

Thursday, June 5, 2014



Wedding season - in full effect!


Life of a Bridal Makeup & Hair Artist:

Great communication is a key to providing the best services for your clients!
There is a great deal in discussing details when it comes to doing the makeup and hair for a Bride and her Bridal Party.  It's not as simple as: "You free on this day?" - "Yes, I am" - "Okey, see ya then!"

No no no!

There are many fine details to go over in providing the best services as a professional artist.
Here are some details that gets discussed between the Bride and myself via emails, which is my preferred method of communication as everything is recorded in writing:

*  Traditional wedding or non-traditional
*  Dress style and how many dresses
*  Desired hairstyle as well as makeup, likes and dislikes
*  Hair extensions or not
*  False lashes or not; and if so discreet or full-on bam!
*  Any allergies to the makeup and/or hair products
*  Hair accessories
*  Style of Tiara and Veil
*  Jewelry:  any accent color on the jewelry?  Silver or gold?  Pearls?
*  How many in the Bridal Party
*  Will there be a specific color scheme for the Bridal Party's look
*  Will I be needing an assistant
*  Reception makeup touch up and/or hair change
*  Makeup & hair for engagement photo shoot
*  Location of preparation for the ceremony
*  Location of the reception for touch ups
*  Booking a trial about a month ahead, take full notes and pictures for record
*  Prepare schedule; back and forth with adjustments if there are any; confirm schedule
*  Prepare Price Quote; back and forth with adjustments if there are any; confirm Price Quote
*  Keeping in touch throughout the days before the Big Day, assuring all is okey and good to go

SO MUCH goes on from months ahead in preparation of the Bride's most precious day!  

I love this season!

I love doing weddings.  The whole event from the beginning to the end, and especially the Big Day, is extremely fulfilling and rewarding.  Making the Bride and her family happy, joyful and beautiful is an amazing feeling. Having that moment where you think to yourself, "Wow, I am a part of one of their most memorable time of their life..." simply puts a smile on my face.  And when I see the Bride and/or her family cry for joy...damn it...I can't help it but to tear up myself!  I feel honored to have the opportunity to be a part of something so wonderful and magical.

Some weddings requires me to be there as early as 5 am!

Early morning wake up call do not bother me at all.  It's actually quote nice to be one of the few driving on the auto-routes at dawn.  Sipping on some coffee, full stomach as I eat a full breakfast no matter how early, and listening to my meditation music on my way to the location preps me to face the day with zen spirit and alertness.

I'm never nervous but...

What I feel most nervous about...is not waking up at all on the day of the wedding!!! Missing the alarm for some stupid reason like dismissing it in my sleep or not setting it up properly the night before...freaks me out!!  I shreak just at the thought of it!
Mind you though, that 15 years of my career and it has NOT happened to me....oh boy, I better not have jinxed it!  
Is it just me?...that I program 3 alarms by my pillow?...just in case? lol  I would do anything to avoid this tragedy.  It's my biggest fear of arriving late, or not arriving at all!

My second worse fear is forgetting my kit at home! (or even a part of it!)
Makeup and hair products are one thing, but forgetting my brushes?  oh la la!  Not good, not good at all!
Am I the only artist who double...no, triple,...no wait, octogonally (?) check their kit, inside & out, the night before the wedding? 
I get a little too perfectionistically-fanatically-crazy (!) and make sure all, including what clothing I wear, ready and good to go the night before.
Better to be safe than sorry, is how I think!  

Taking pictures

After everyone is prepared and the Bride is ready, I sneak in and take pictures for my portfolio.  I have always asked for them to send me some professional photos after the wedding, however, message gets lost in time and find myself missing out on photos to build my portfolio. Totally understandable, though!  Many couples are off to their Honeymoon straight after and it takes time for them to receive the photos from their photographer. So instead of constantly bothering them, which I feel bad doing so, I've learned that the best way was to invest in a good camera and take them myself! 
It's challenging though...to be a ninja and sneak in among their family, their friends, their own professional photographer and videographer in midst of their traditional ceremony...aye! So at times, I give up and I miss out on taking pictures!  I feel terrible for my previous Brides who may not have their pictures on my website! It was me who couldn't take the pictures!  (If you're one of them, please do send me some!  I beg of you!)

A rewarding experience

It's not just about providing professional makeup and hair for their wedding...but to me, it's a spiritual, mental and emotional connection I receive and to be able to provide that gets me to love what I do.  I pour out my 100% of my skill, attentiveness, professionalism and positive attitude for the Bride and her family on the day that is most precious to them.  Celebrating the unity and love of two individuals.  I have seen many different races being joined by marriage.  Seeing the two families come together, despite the differences in customs, traditions and cultures, is the most spiritually beautiful thing I have ever seen.  One can only hope and jump with glee for such positiveness when it comes to their future children being born into their world.

Witnessing the lovebirds, whether from the same sex or not, same race or from a different race...whatever the background,  sharing love and promising one another their commitment to each other is...by far...the most rewarding part of my career.  Brings me to tears every time.

Here is one of many beautiful experience I have witnessed that brought me to tears:

While touching up the Bride who is Chinese for her reception, she was so concerned, since that morning, to do the "right thing" for her Laotian mother-in-law when it came to the traditional ceremony that was to come during the reception.  Which traditional items to put on the head, proper color of lipstick, customary Laotian outfit to wear, customary gestures and moves for the ceremony...the Bride was clearly nervous and concerned wanting to do it perfectly for her Groom's family.  The mother-in-law comes into the room and the Bride asked her to please give her some final details to keep in mind for the traditional ceremony.  The mother-in-law, in her soft loving voice, told the Bride to simply enjoy and have fun.  "It doesn't matter how red your lips are or what traditional clothing to wear.  What matters is that you are there and you have fun!"  As I was touching up her lips, I see her tearing up, lips quivering, with a sigh or releif.  Contentment, but mostly feeling of love and kindness that she felt form her mother-in-law that made her whisper to me, "I'm so blessed to have a nice family".  
Tear jerker, right!!!!
You see!  Can you see why I tear up too!!  I still tear up!  I'm tearing up just as I am typing this!

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Hey guys!  It's been awhile!

This month has been a month full of celebration!

Yes spring is finally here!  YAY!  and with it came Mother's Day, my youngest munchkin's 7th birthday and my own birthday celebration!







I love this month!  
Despite few days of rain, leaves on the trees, flowers and grass has started to come out and warmth has finally kicked in after many winter months of brutal weather.
And honestly, I don't mind the rain so much as others may do.
I find we need it to melt away the remains of what winter left us, and rinse away all the remaining icky dirt.
Interesting how much dirt and actual garbage comes out of melted snow and ice...
So yeah, rain is a nature's way of showering itself out of hibernation.

So for this year's Mother's Day, I have organized a very intimate picnic with both of our mothers.
I had prepared all the delicious knick-knacks to bring along with a nice chilled Rose wine and were planning on heading out to Oka park where we can enjoy the warm sunny weather by the water.
My lil' one gave me the greatest gift any mother can have on the day of the picnic...an early dawn wakeup call with a bucket of vomit.  Hmm lovely!
No biggie!
So we decided to do the picnic at home on our patio where we still enjoyed our time together as a family.
Any mother would take a child's well being over anything and simply make everything work out well...if not better! :)
Both of our mothers, including myself, were showered with love on this fine Mother's Day :)

Soon after that came another prep for another celebration...my munchkin's 7th birthday party!
Running around for decorations, loot bag goodies, snacks, treats, candies, cupcake ingredients, and let's not forget, GIFTS!  Making sure to send out invitation cards and forgetting to put the home address (oops), receive RSVP calls, wrapping gifts when kids are sleeping, decorating the house when kids are sleeping...
I must have gone through my "to-do" lists a hundred times over!
All this while seeing clients, doing weddings, preparing invoices, sending out quotes, cleaning my kit, testing makeup, the whole shabang.

In midst of all this, my oldest and my hubby asks me,

"So what do YOU want to do for your birthday?"

What? huh? My birthday?  Oh yeah, my birthday! Uh..Um...don't have time to think about that yet!

My priorities were to have a great Mother's Day and a great birthday bash for my lil one so my mind was not there yet, not one moment of my time alone!

And really, that was okey with me!

Once my birthday comes along, I feel rewarded.
I feel that once I have shown gratitude, love and appreciation on Mother's Day to my mother and my mother-in-law for their hard work, time and all the knowledge that they've thought us...
...and once I have demonstrated all that I've learned to my lil one's celebration of her birth, milestones and growing up on her birthday...
...that once my birthday comes along, I feel great, rewarded, and so satisfied that I feel like that is the best gift for myself as a person growing up.
Once my birthday comes along, I can welcome the event with open arms, feel truly relaxed, content and grateful.
It's weird to say.
It has definitely been a learning curve this past few months of "May" throughout the years.
Definitely looking forward to many more months of "May" in my future.




May 21st "521"
Let's see what my birthday says!

As you approach new opportunities and relationships, it's vital that you stay optimistic and use only positive words in your thoughts, speech, and writing
---"Angel Numbers 101" by Doreen Virtue

Wow!

That's quite interesting!  All these years, since I was little, my favorite motto I stood by has been the famous line from a lil rabbit known as Thumper from Bambi.

He said,

"If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all".

I do believe in not wasting precious energy, breath and time in saying things that hurt another being as well as yourself.  
I shall continue to so as my Angel book guides me so.


Oh look!
I opened up Chrome and found that Google has got me some cupcakes on my birthday!
Yay:)

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Throwback Thursday: How I tripped and fell on Neil Patrick Harris


Oh Neil...
How beautiful, how witty, how talented and how humorous are you...
You have shown strength, confidence and self respect these past few years since your coming out and, as a big fan, I cannot be more proud than I am today.

Oh Neil...
I'd like to say that I'm sorry to have fallen, and literally, right between your legs on the set of Joan of Arc...
...but heck, yah right, pfffffft, I am not sorry one bit.

Embarrassed?  Absolutely!
Can't believe I made such a fool out of myself...








Damn me!
But then damn me and my muddy clunky winter boots and cobble stoned cathedral ground for allowing me to....I mean....making me trip and fall into your arms.
And you!  You were so kind! So sweet as to catch me ever so gently and say, "you okey?"
A gentleman, indeed.
And how appropriately dressed were you?
You in your mighty king Charles the VII costume so regal and magnificent...
studying your lines in a dusty small room inside a grand cathedral,
sitting by a window, and light of day coming in softly.

Hesitated to approach, but as your makeup artist I had no choice but to enter into your zone.
"May I do your touch up, Neil? ", I asked
You nodded as you were repeating your lines.





And then...right there..., in a blink of an eye, found myelf inside your arms.

"What the?..."

...were definitely my first words that crossed my mind the moment I tripped on a cobblestone.
What seemed so quick and sudden to others , was actually nothing but a terrible slow motioned b-rated film starring me.
Seeing my entire body, muddy, heavy and gross from working outside most of these dreadful shoot,  fall so inelegantly in direction of you...
Immediately felt hot right in my face, and hotter as I fell further into your arms
OmgOmgOmg










"I'm so sorry!", "Oh my god", "I'm so sorry!", repeatedly overwhelming him with my apologies.
And as you kept your cool, you simply considered my well being over anything.
As other crew members and actors watched over what had happened,obviously laughed out loud and mockingly congratulated me for doing what I did to get his attention...
What? No! I fell! I swear! I tripped!
"Yah, okey there" giggle giggle giggle
Noooooo!
But yah, I was smiling too so that didn't help, I guess.




So I had the honour of doing his makeup and wig application for the television miniseries of Joan of Arc shot in 1999 in Prague, Czechoslovakia.
3 months and a half of gruesome, most brutal, freezing and muddy, shooting outside 95% of the time.  Knee deep into the mud and snow and blowing wind, icy ground and runny nose... it was the most amazing experience ever, heck yah!

I got to meet amazing actors and one being Neil Patrick Harris.
He was only there for just few days.
He was Neil....from Doogie Howser and that was all anyone knew of him at the time.
He hadn't come out, nor had he had any successful film and television like Smurfs and How I Met Your Mother under his belt...and yet, I remember feeling so excited to meet him and to work with him.
Seeing him now with his amazing success, not only from all the film and television work, but his success as a human being appreciating life as a proud gay person, married to his love with two beautiful children, he exudes confidence, positivity, self respect and love of life.  He sings, he dances, he is witty, smart, clever and so funny....mind you, I can go on and on!
I love him as a person. He is so inspirational. He is glowing!

So yah, my whole event of me literally falling on him...
Can't deny it, it puts a smile on my face, ear to ear. And I can proudly say that, all awkwardness and embarrassment put aside, it is one of my greatest memories of all time.

xo



...Okey, so...
Seriously, look at him
This was taken in 1999...
Is it just me who thinks this, 
but he hasn't changed one bit!?!?!?!

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Mother's Touch: Healthy affordable snacks for my kids! - Costco Haul

Being a mother to my children, ....

(rephrase)

Being a little crazy mother to my children, ...

(rephrase)

Being a "little-is-an-understatement-more-like-over-the-top-lunatic" mother to my children and who do not wish for my kids to consume bad sugar ... ahem...okey okey, ...just not everyday, at least!! :)

...I am often challenged with which snacks to buy for my kids' school lunches and after school classes.
Yes, I do all the veggie and fruit snacks, home baked goods and all...but I also want to provide varieties for my kids' taste buds (and to also give me some break away from the kitchen).

So many nasty ingredients that I have a hard time even pronouncing are inside many snacks out there.
Ones that are organic and sounds wonderful to eat are so much more expensive...would have to spend more on snacks alone in a week than groceries!

GMO this, artificial that, palm oil this, high fructose corn syrup that...

YOWZA!

EEK! 

CRINGE!

GROSS!

bwagazabgarrdawnakagrrabaxiaaaaa!!! 
(yup, that pretty much sums up how I feel about all those nasty ingredients...)

There are just so many terrible ingredients that is simply not meant for human consumption and sadly, I may not be able to avoid it all together...So then what?  Might as well feed the kids paper towels...
(but then again...makes me wonder, is it from a GMO derived paper or cotton?...were the plants sprayed in pesticides?...eek)

Woe woe woe....k, let's calm down.

So, what is a mother to do?
I do stop and look at each box and see what the ingredients are and if I see any ingredients that I just cannot pronounce....I gently place it right back on the shelf where I grabbed it from.
I may not be able to avoid it all completely...however, I am able to, within budget, make a wiser choice and avoid some, if not, as many ingredients as I can that I am just not happy with.

Main things that I look out for...

●  No artificial colours
●  No artificial flavours
●  No GMO
●  No unnatural preservatives
●  No white sugar
●  No unnaturally added sugar
●  No white flour

For today, I'd like to do a lil' Costco Haul!

Here are a few of my favourite healthier snacks, and kids approved!



★ Florida's Natural Fruit Snacks $8.69 CDN ★
OMG, these are delish!
Chewy, fruity, mouth-watering flavours!
Packaged well!  50 pouches in one box and each is just enough for kids!
Affordable, yes!

                                                 

★ Garden Veggie Straws $4.99 CDN ★
Yummers!!
Crunchy!  Tasty!  Don't feel guilty!
You can see the bag is open...
(couldn't resist in the car...on my way back home...tihihi)
 Affordable, yes!


★  Édamamé $9.99CDN ★
What's a japaneeser without these? C'mon!
It does take a little time in the kitchcn (as I boil them and not microwave them), 
but once it's made, it's a healthy snack to have abound all day long!
Affordable, yes!

These are just few amongst many I have in my cabinet.  I will do other hauls from other stores as well! So stay tuned :)

What I do appreciate now, is the awareness of where our food comes from, wether if it's vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, ingredients for snacks, etc; that has opened our eyes to keep watch on what we consume and thankfully it has also made a difference in companies who provide food for us.  Many companies has come out making a difference in their existing recipes; how they treat their animals; and producing and manufacturing food for us to eat.  So more and more, I do see a difference and I find it much easier to find good food for my family compared to just a few years ago.

I ♥LOVE♥ to eat.  
And I ♥LOVE♥ my body.  
I ♥LOVE ♥my family and I ♥LOVE♥ what me and my husband has created:  our children.
What we make as decisions on what we feed our children for their growth is our responsibility and our duty as parents.  It may be fun to eat bad stuff now, but when looking at it in the long run, makes you think twice as to "enjoy now" or to "enjoy future" :)

However, I do like to stress out that as we make proper and wiser decisions on what we consume, we do not do it exclusively and do not completely avoid everything that is bad from our diet.
I don't go THAT crazy when my children are offered a Twizzler or a handful of Skittles once in awhile.
What is important, for me, is that I provide healthier choices as much as I possibly can to build their body strong and healthy and by teaching them the fun of eating healthy so that even if, once in awhile, they indulge in sugary treats, their strong body can handle it :) 
And why would I take away the fun and the excitement out of a Trick or Treatin', or an Easter Egg Hunt traditions!  Instead, I teach them the moderations so they can truly enjoy the treats and look forward to the next event rather than devour them and feel sick otherwise :)

If you guys have your suggestions on amazing, delicious, affordable and healthy snacks, please share and let us all know!

xo




Sunday, April 27, 2014

Fun with Kids! - Teaching kids how to take care of themselves



Wether you have girls or boys, or both!, it's nice to teach them how to self-renew by treating themselves to a nice hot bath with facial mask, eye mask and hair treatment once in awhile!  
Taking care of your own skin is one thing, but I find this method also teaches them to relax. 
In a busy world as we live in this time of age, finding the time to relax and knowing how to relax doesn't come as easily.  Taking the time to teach the kids also gives me a moment to reflect and take care of myself.

♥ L e t ' s   b e g i n ! ♥

1  In a nice hot bath (whatever temperature your child is used to), add in some sea salt or epsom salt and/or some baking powder.
(I normally put about 1/4 cup of either salt and/or 1/4 cup of baking soda in a full size tub for the two girls)

★Benefits★
●Sea Salt - therapeutic; purifying; removes negative energy; alkaline so it removes acidity; great for skin; improves circulation

●Epsom Salt - contains magnesium and sulfate that is great for detoxifying; great for bruises (my girls legs are covered in bruises from running around!) and muscle soreness (from running around and growing pains!); help reduce inflammation

●Baking Soda - cleansing; anti-fungal; softens the skin; help remove itching

Let them dive in!

2   Give them a handful of organic virgin unrefined coconut oil and let them massage it into their hair.
My oldest does not really like the smell nor the taste of it, but my lil' one will scoop some out with her fingertips and eat as she goes along:)

Place a shower cap over their head.  You can do regular plastic bag instead as I have done for my girls.

★Benefits★
Natural moisturizer; contains proteins that other hair oils do not contain; prevents dandruff; makes hair stronger; boosts hair and scalp health with Vitamin E & K

3   Give them a bowl of organic plain unsweetened yogurt.  Let them eat it while letting them smear it all over their face.  How fun is that!

Oopsy!  Dropped some in the bathtub?

Noooo worries!

It's also great to add some in the bath too :)
Make sure they put some down their neck as well.  Teaching them that neck is an extension of their face so better take care of that part as well :)

★Benefits★
great for skin; helps heal skin from sun exposure; great for acne; anti-aging (not that they need it at their age, but doesn't hurt to teach them the benefit at an early age, and naturally with a simple ingredient like yogurt!)

4   Next, give them few slices of cucumbers...to place one on each eye, and of course, to eat!

★Benefits★
Help reduce puffiness and dark circles; cooling agent; anti-inflammatory

Time to relax!

5   Play some nice soothing music and have them sit in the tub with their head rested on the side of the tub.
Few giggles will be heard :)
A nice, sweet moment to chit chat, catch up on things :)

Allow them to sit for about 10 minutes, or as long as they can for that matter!

6   Ready to wash off?

Remove the cucumber slices and....

Dunk your heads!!!  Wheeeee

Allow them to remove as much of the yogurt and the coconut oil as they can themselves, and then help them remove the rest by washing up :)

There you have it!
A fun, relaxing, giggly moment you can enjoy with your children!
Have fun!

xo



Friday, April 25, 2014

Being Japanese in a foreign country




It doesn't matter where you're from as long you are a visible minority in a foreign country...you are most likely to be asked silly questions in regards to your culture, your language, your traditions.  I call them "silly" questions now because, well, they are, and because I have stopped getting weirded out and hurt by some of the questions and comments.  
The fact is they don't know any better, therefore they ask.  And rather, I appreciate now that they ask me directly then to assume and judge otherwise.

Amongst many I have been asked and commented...here are a few of the silliest ones:

●  "Japanese, Chinese, Korean,...you guys speak the same language right?"
In response to my "no" answer..."what? Really? I had no idea!. They all sound the same."

● There was a little Korean boy who was crying hysterically at school.  When there were no traces of tears falling down his face, one adult in regards to that asked me, "I think he's Korean...or however you want to call him...you Asians don't have tear ducts? Is it a common thing amongst Asians not to shed tears?". 
I replied, "No we do tear up, tears do fall and we do cry", to which he responded, " Oh okey, I thought you guys were made differently".

● As I commented on a nice bathroom decoration at someone's house, this gentlemen responded, " Oh you Japanese people love to snoop around, right!"

● Do you guys put chopsticks into your hair bun after eating the food?

Hummmm.....silly right?...I know. :)

There are more.  And yah, they are just funny and silly.  
I do have to say, that with this Asian trend widely spreading thanks to the Internet, like anime, films and food, silly questions have subsided tremendously.  I think people are much more educated and aware nowadays.
Before, it was all new to them.  Heck, it was all new to me to be growing up in a country where all things normal for me was questioned and looked at funny by others...like using chopsticks, for example,  was so unfamiliar back in the day when I was a kid is now a habit pretty much everyone has grown accustomed to.

With this experience I, too, am extremely careful as to what I ask and to whom. 
Appreciating a culture is something we should all do.  We all do things differently and that's okey.

And it's okey to ask. ♥ 

It's okey to study, to learn, to question, to be curious.  
It's never okey to question through your assumtion and to judge based only on your imagination.

xo

Thursday, April 10, 2014

RECIPE: Fried Tofu! Kids approved!


One of our favourite dish in our household!


こ ん に ち は ♪
こ ko    ん n に ni ち chi は wa ♪
kon - ni - chi - wa ♪
Good day ♪- Bonjour ♪


Recipe that is super easy and super quick to make even for a busy working mom who still wants to provide a healthy home-cooked meal for the kids.

What you will need:

Serves four

★ Four blocks of silky tofu
★ about 3 TBS of Flour
★ about 3 TBS of Cornstarch
★ Vegetable oil

Serve with (of your choice):

● Rice
● Rice with Quinoa
● Quinoa
● Wild Rice
● Couscous
● Basmati
● Jasmine
● or whatever your heart desires!  (more like your palate desires! )

To garnish (of your choice):

☆ finely chopped parsley
☆ coriander
☆ chopped green onion
☆ or all of the above...why not!

To drizzle:

♥ for kids - lemon soya sauce mix (ratio of 1:1)
♥ for adults - Asian Spicy Garlic Sauce
recipe is available on my blog:  (Click here)





Here is the How-To step by step Video on how to cook this delicious dish.  Have fun and enjoy!


Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Laws of attraction. How I became a happy owner of my new toy, Nokia Lumia 1020!



Laws of attraction has worked its magic and have delivered this wonderful device to MEEEE!

Everything was, oh so magical :)

Here's the story!

It was sometime in the year of 2013, my husband, who is tech savvy, showed me a video clip of this upcoming new Windows mobile phone.
The video was of one of their product launch presentation demonstrating the new Nokia mobile phone called Nokia Lumia 1020.




The video demonstrated all its amazing features.
One feature I got so hooked on and drooled over was its 41 megapixel camera feature.
(...Okey, and also the fact that it came in this adorable yellow...Yah, hello!)
I got all excited, of course, but knew that it would be way too expensive and understood that it was beyond my reach.  If I WAS to have it, I would have to wait years for it to be somewhat affordable with like a 3 year mobile data plan with Telus...and that's if Telus was going to even carry this phone.
So, the reality of me having this phone was...zero chance to none, basically.

I, then, let that thought to be placed on the side...far away from my priorities.
Being a freelance artist, putting my daily priorities like groceries and children's expenses come first was no news to me.  That's just how it goes.  My necessities and needs for a shopping spree is set aside until it is absolutely necessary...and even then, it does not come around often as it still is not my priority in life.  I would rather put that money aside for rainy days.
I had a cell phone already...who had a mind of its own...like shut off or move icons to another page without my consent...was really annoying, but it worked.  It did what it needed to do like call my clients, my husband, my moms.
So, for me, what works works.  Why change it?

Days...weeks...then a couple of months went by.
The news that the phone was available in Canada came in....though, only with a certain provider.

Days...then weeks went by.
The news came in that Telus had finally started to carry this phone!...obviously with a 3 year plan and the phone was available at something like 300 bucks.
Still...out of my reach...not concerned...not my priority.

2014 came by and the phone was available via Telus at 150 bucks with a 3 year plan.
omg...

hmm...
(that was my first "hmm" that had started to poke my curiosity)

As many of my fellow freelance makeup artists / hair stylists may already know...
January-March is a very tough season...it is what we call a "dead season".
A couple of clients and photoshoots was being booked during the dead season, which is a blessing, ....... was just enough to sustain on a minimal basis.

So my "hmm..." came along, but my priorities all related to realistic situations did not allow me to toy with that "hmm..." or to dive into it.

Days went by...
The news that the phone was available now at 99 bucks via Telus....

Say wha?

Hmm!
My second "hmm!" came out with an exclamation point!

At this point, my hubby was all excited and ready for himself!
He went out and got himself one in black!
Woohoo!!!
Yaaay, for my hubby!

When he showed me the phone, my "hmm!" was all curious and wanted to be poked at!!
...But I still gave it a cold shoulder lol
He showed me all its features. (amazing)
Took pictures with its 41 royal-heighness-megapixelness of a camera and zoomed in to see its crispiness. (love)
Lightweight (omg)
Size of the screen (drool)
"meh, that's cool"...tone of my voice ever so nonchalant and dry...meanwhile I am doing cartwheels in my head, screaming and drooling.
I gave it a cold shoulder because I was so afraid to get attached to even the thought of, or the possibility of having one...
But my mind took over and would not give up at this point.
I was already daydreaming about this phone.
I was envisioning me using this phone, taking pictures with it, laughing and talking to it...having a cup of tea with it.  BFF is what this phone and me was going to become.
Damn it.

A couple of days went by...
The news that this phone was now down to 49 bucks via Telus.

Come again?
I beg your pardon?
Parlez-vous français?

HMM!?!?!?!?!
Okey now, this was ridiculous!
Not at the fact of the sudden decrease in the price, but the fact that I was still dwelling on getting this phone when, clearly, it would be stupid NOT to buy one at this point!



THIS IS WHEN MY DREAMS BECAME MORE VIVID!

I literally would have dreams where I have this phone in my hands at work.
I had this dream where I took it out of its belt-buckle holder (don't ask!), and hold it up against my ear.
Day in and day out, my mind was with this yellow Nokia.
I never asked or questioned how or when I would get this phone.  It didn't matter, for me, I had this phone already. It was mine.

One saturday, in the month of February...right in the midst of a dead season.
I came home after work, tired and ready to get into my pj.
Hubby tells me to get to Fairview Shopping Mall asap and get the phone.
He even handed me the money!
So sweet of him to show such kind gesture...and yet, my realistic mindset took over with a slight hint of exhaustion at this point and so I kindly declined.
Besides, I had less than an hour left until closing!

Seconds later, I was in the car driving my lazy ass to Fairview.
My hubby forced me to it!
Driving there, my mind was mixed with emotions.
"OMG, I'm gonna get the phone!" (yay)
"OMG, what the hell am I doing?"  (boo)
"OMG, I'm so excited!"  (yay)
"OMG, I feel so guilty right now!"  (boo)
"OMG, I'm actually gonna get the phone!"  (yay)
"OMG, he could've used that money for something else!"  (boo)
It was a roller coaster ride of continuous nonsense yay-boos.

I managed to get myself to the Telus Boutique.
A very nice young lady greeted me and I asked for the phone.
Heart pumping.
"Very well and thank you, Mrs. Hidaka..."
Heart pumping.
"The phone is at 49$...", she continued,
Heart pumping.
"Let me see if I can give you this phone for free", she says with a big smile.
Heart stops.

HUH?

Say wha?

Come again???

I dropped to the floor.
Well, no, not literally.
My heart, mind and everything else did...I managed to keep my body upright.

(d.d.d.d.d.dare I ask why???)

"...um...may I ask how and why?"

"Well, it's a special promotional code we have exclusively from this boutique and we'd like to apply it for you, Mrs.Hidaka."

OMG

"Oh, wow, great, thanks!" (ever so nonchalantly)

What came next was the most longest 2 minutes at a Telus boutique everrrr.

"Alright, so everything is done. Here's the phone in yellow as requested.  Have a great day, enjoy!"

That's it?
That's all?
It's mine?
It's MINE?
IT'S MINE????

OMG

I stormed out of the boutique!
I was so afraid she would come after me and say that she had made a mistake!!!!

In midst of february, bloody winter in Canada...
My world was all filled with yellow flowers, with yellow birds chirping away, with yellow sunlight beaming at me and only me.
I was Tra-la-la-ing my way to my car!

So there you have it folks.
My mind, my body, my energy that I have created and directed towards having this phone have made the Universe work around me to direct this phone to me.
Laws of attraction, baby!!
I believe in this phenomenon as it has worked its magic on me several times in my life.

I have had this phone for about a month now and I am tra-la-la-ing to its wonderful amazingness and having so much fun with it :)

Thank you, Universe xo


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

RECIPE: Tofu ankaké with kale & carrots over a bed of rice / Easy change-over from kids meal to adult meal!




"What's 'ankaké'?" you ask!

Well, the word is pronounced 'an' - 'ka' - 'ké'  (pretty straightforward no?)
and it basically means a thick starchy sauce that is made of corn starch
This type of sauce is poured over rice, noodles, meat, quinoa...whatever food you want to jazz it up with a thick sauce :)

There, you had yourself a lil' Japanese lesson :)
That'll be your word of the day!


S o   l e t ' s   b e g i n !

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS: 

- About 4 stemfull of kale, chopped ( if you want you can use spinach instead...or both! )





- One medium size carrot, peeled and sliced



- One stem of broccoli!  Yup, that's right, the stem!  No wasting food for me.  Stems are just as good, nice and crunchy :)  Just make sure to peel the skin as it is very stringy, and slice away!






- 4 cloves of garlic, minced




- 4 blocks of silky tofu.  My favourite brand of tofu! So delicious.  I calculate about one block of tofu per person.



Place in a bowl and let the water come out of the tofu.
Pour water out before adding it into the pot when cooking :)



- 3 cups of water, keep in a bowl
- About 3 TBS of corn starch mixed in about 1/2 cup of water, keep in a separate bowl



- One chicken bouillon gel.  For vegetarians, you can use vegetarian bouillon :)
- And NO SALT!  nope nope nope, no need for salt as this bouillon, although still 25% reduced salt, contains enough sodium to taste! :)






- And lastly, some olive oil to cook




HOW TO:

- In a sauce pan, heat some olive oil and garlic together over medium heat



*** Once the garlic starts to sizzle (do not overcook), everything is FAST!  Meaning this dish will only take about 5-6 minutes to finish! 
So I have created a video to show you how! :)






SPICED UP FOR ADULTS!!




Here's what you'll need!

- 2 green onions, chopped



- About 1 TBS of spicy sauce of your choice!  It can be Sriracha, Sambal Oelek, etc.  I chose this one from the Korean store.  It's called GOCHUJANG and it's basically a chili pepper paste.
* please spice it up to your liking!  1 TBS can be too much for some.




- Simply mix in the spicy sauce into ankaké (the heat is still turned off)



- Serve over a bed of japanese rice, garnish it with the green onion and enjoy!



Hope you'll enjoy it as much as we do!
A dish that can be turned from a kiddy meal to a spicy delish  for us adults! 
Super quick to cook once all the ingredients are ready to go and super healthy...
just the way a busy mom likes it!!
xo